Junior Camps

For Children Entering Grades 4 or 5

Junior Camps are for children entering grades 4 and 5 in the fall of 2018. Group size is 32, and there is at least a 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio. Waitlists will be maintained for all sold-out programs. To be placed on the waitlist, call the camp office at 617-226-2425 or sign up online.

NOTE: All programs include a Thursday night overnight experience.

Jade had an amazing experience and now wants to be a marine biologist.”

How are we connected to our closest relatives in the sea? Delve into the world of marine mammals with the Aquarium by observing a seal training session and building toys for seal enrichment. Then, visit Earth’s largest animals on a whale watch. Through local coastal trips, campers will discover how the animals of the beach are connected to marine mammals in the ocean.

There are fish in those waters … and we’re off to find them! Campers will experience how scientists study the world of fish, and why it is important. Lessons on fish biology and habitats pair with practicing how to cast lines and hatch fish. All this teaches participants how fishers and scientists work to keep fish on the menu and in the sea.

Exploration is a scientist’s greatest joy, and the best tool for discovery! Through daily field trips, campers will spend the week discovering what our local beaches have to offer those with a keen eye and a curious mind. Seek out the creatures that spend their lives living in the extremes of tidepools and learn how they survive in a life between the tides!

It was fun and I got to do a lot of different things I didn’t know about before coming to camp. The counselors were fun (and a little crazy sometimes) but they knew a lot of stuff.”

- Trip, Junior camper

Senior Camps

For Children Entering Grades 6 or 7

The Aquarium’s Senior Camps are for children entering grades 6 or 7 in the fall of 2018. Group size is 32, with at least a 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio. Waitlists are maintained for all sold-out programs. To be placed on the waitlist, call the camp office at 617-226-2425 or sign up online.

NOTE: All programs include a Thursday night overnight experience.

My favorite part was the excitement Rory shared when she came home every day!”

The Boston Harbor Islands are home to a dynamic array of habitats hosting a tremendous variety of life. Join us as we explore a new and exciting island each day! Campers will learn about the islands’ histories and ecosystems as they explore tidepools, hike, and even pitch a tent for a night in our beautiful island backyard!

We have only explored about 5% of the world’s oceans. That means there are many incredible discoveries out there yet to be made! Join us as we develop new theories about the questions that remain and create some of our own! Campers will use scientific techniques to embark on fun-filled adventures to research the amazing mystery that is the global ocean of our blue planet.

The edge of the sea is a scientist’s treasure trove. This week, campers will find out what makes the coast such a valuable ecosystem! Campers will investigate the many watery habitats of eastern Massachusetts, from rivers to tidepools, learning how all life on land is connected to life in the sea!

What do you have that is shared by all fish, whales, and birds? A backbone! And our one ocean, upon which we all rely! Vertebrates come in some amazing shapes and sizes, and are found throughout the aquatic world. Join us as we seek these spine-carrying creatures at the beach, in the water, and on a whale watch.

After this camp, I feel that the ocean is more special to me now that I have interacted with its life in a natural environment.”

- Miriam, Senior Camper

Advanced Camps

One-Week Programs for Youth Entering Grades 8 – 9

Two-Week Programs for Youth Entering Grades 8 – 10

The Aquarium’s Advanced Camps are for those entering grades 8 and 9 in the fall of 2018. Special two-week programs are also available to rising 10th-graders. All programs include a Thursday night overnight experience; two-week programs have a longer overnight segment. Group sizes range from 10 to 20 depending on the session and activity. Waitlists are maintained for all sold-out programs. To be placed on a waitlist, call the camp office at 617-226-2425 or sign up online.

Staff found nice balance between structured learning and spontaneous fun.”

Coastlines encompass many unique habitats–such as salt marshes, bogs, tidepools, and estuaries­–that teem with life. Campers will examine the factors that impact these environments from the source of the Charles River to Boston Harbor. Be a research scientist and get active in the study of zoology, marine ecology, and coastal geology in the field. Campers will explore current issues that affect our coastlines, and what the future holds for these fragile ecosystems.

Curiosity and exploration are what drive successful marine biologists. Build your marine science know-how in this two-week program. Begin the journey by learning what tools and research methods scientists use to assess the health of the environment onsite at the Aquarium, and on day trips to local habitats. Participants will practice research techniques and use tools common in the marine sciences fields. The second week will be an exploration of the unique habitats of the New England shoreline, putting new skills to use during a four-night trip along the Maine coast as campers meet scientists and implement their new skills!

Get up close and personal with the marine mammals of the Aquarium! Meet a seal, discover the demanding needs of caring for marine mammals, and investigate the realm of marine mammal training. Connect to the largest mammals on Earth by observing them on a whale watch, and learn how we study these animals in their ocean home. In this program, campers will investigate the local and global issues facing marine mammals. Explore what role you can play for the conservation of this magnificent group of animals!

Two weeks: August 6 – 10 and August 13 – 17, 2018

Field Expedition — SOLD OUT

Early drop-off is available Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.) for $20 a day. Extended after-care hours are not available.

Get a taste of the fun and challenging life of a marine science field researcher during this two-week program! The first week will provide a comprehensive look at scientific tools, techniques, and protocols as campers gain familiarity on how to answer scientific questions through observations. Days will consist of studies in local habitats and at the Aquarium. For the second week, campers will set up a field camp on the Boston Harbor Islands, staying overnight Monday through Friday. While acting as a team of scientists in the wilds of Boston Harbor, campers will devise and examine questions through which to better understand our local marine ecosystems.

August 20 – 24, 2018

Aquarist in Training — SOLD OUT

Early drop-off is available Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.) for $20 a day. Extended after-care hours are not available.

Aquarists have tough jobs as they need to keep the animals in their care happy and healthy and help educate the public about marine life! Aquarists in Training will spend a fun-filled week learning about animal collection techniques, tank maintenance, and habitat needs. Both behind-the-scenes at the aquarium and in the field, campers will practice how to best share the undersea world with others. Most importantly, they will learn what it takes to care for the thousands of marine animals housed here!